Voyage Bubble Clinches BMW Hong Kong Derby for Yiu, Badel

Yiu and Badel’s Voyage Bubble topped the field to clinch the BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, proving itself a formidable force in the turf ranks.

The four-year-old colt, trained by Tony Cruz, and ridden by jockey Joao Moreira, galloped clear of its 11 rivals to claim the prestigious 1,800-meter race, the first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

Yiu and Badel’s Voyage Bubble, who entered the race as one of the favorites, pulled clear of the pack by the top of the straight and held off the late challenge of Flying Thunder who finished a length and a quarter behind in second.

The win was a major milestone for Yiu and Badel, whose horse has now sealed its place as one of the top horses in the region. The win also marked a triumphant return for Moreira, who won the race for the third time in four years.

Speaking after the race, Cruz said, ”I’m delighted with the performance of Voyage Bubble, who showed us his true potential today. Joao gave him a perfect ride and the horse responded brilliantly.”

The victory was Yiu and Badel’s first Group 1 win and the pair were clearly delighted with the result.

”We’re so proud of Voyage Bubble and the team that’s been behind him,” Yiu said.

The BMW Hong Kong Derby win gives Yiu and Badel’s Voyage Bubble an automatic berth in the upcoming Longines Hong Kong Cup, the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.

With this feat, Yiu and Badel’s Voyage Bubble has solidified its place among the turf elite, making it a formidable force in the ranks of Hong Kong racing.